AstraZeneca

Director, Business Planning & Operations, Early Vaccines & Immune Therapies

US - Gaithersburg - MD Full time

Introduction to role

Are you ready to lead the charge in transforming healthcare and building pandemic preparedness? As the Director of Business Planning & Operations for Early Vaccines and Immune Therapies, you will manage overall business operations and be recognized as a thought leader in your field. Join us at the exciting frontier of medicine, where your expertise will directly impact global health.

Accountabilities

  • Act as chief of staff to the functional VP, providing operational support, strategic counsel, and leadership team coordination.

  • Support VP for strategic and/or urgent business needs, including assembling critical information and generating key presentation materials and reports.

  • Work with Early V&I leadership team to define, implement, monitor, and communicate strategic goals of business processes, change management, and continuous improvement.

  • Coordinate the development of annual objectives, metrics, and success criteria with departmental leadership and track progress.

  • Lead and manage complex projects and strategic initiatives, partnering with other functions to deliver enterprise-wide solutions.

  • Champion new ways of working, leading the evolution of operating models and fostering collaboration across teams.

  • Serve as secretariat for Early V&I Leadership team and Research Board.

  • Ensure optimal usage of available resources to deliver maximum value for the organization.

  • Work with finance business partner to manage the functional budget and inputs to key business planning activities.

  • Develop strategies for employee engagement, communications, staff training, and recruitment.

  • Lead business transformation projects in Early V&I, partnering with other functions as necessary.

  • Ensure the visibility and engagement of leadership in Early V&I to the wider AZ organization and external environment.

Essential Skills/Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years, or PhD with 5+ years, of relevant experience in a similar role.

  • Knowledge of the biologics drug development process.

  • Deep understanding of operational aspects of successfully delivering projects and alliances.

  • Track record of planning and delivering successful initiatives.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Proven track record of negotiation and strong interpersonal skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively across therapeutic areas, and with staff from different disciplines and at various levels.

  • Excellent matrix team leadership skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to find creative and innovative solutions to problems.

  • Experience with government contracting.

Desirable Skills/Experience

  • Proven project leadership/project management experience within a pharmaceutical environment.

  • Qualification in Project Management.

  • Track record of innovation delivering improved business outcomes.

  • Advanced skills in PLANISWARE, Capacitor, Assigner.

  • Operational expertise in risk management and contingency planning.

  • Effective problem and conflict resolution skills and proven team focus.

  • Excellent knowledge of AstraZeneca policies, procedures, and guidelines.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we are changemakers on the world stage. Our commitment to transforming healthcare is backed by deep knowledge and experience. We lead with energy and drive, investing in groundbreaking collaborations that make essential breakthroughs possible. Our people-first approach ensures that every decision centers around serving populations better. By harnessing science and technology, we shape care for the future, impacting billions worldwide. Join a dynamic community where diversity is our strength, empowering everyone to share ideas and challenge norms.

Ready to make a meaningful difference? Apply now to join our team!

Date Posted

12-Dec-2025

Closing Date

30-Dec-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.